The Samford University softball team hosted the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for a doubleheader on May 2, splitting the games and securing the number two seed in next week’s Southern Conference Tournament.
This matchup featured the top two teams in the conference, with Samford boasting the best offense and UNCG leading in pitching. In game one, both teams held each other scoreless through two innings before UNCG took a lead with a three-run home run off Samford pitcher Makinley Turner. Despite singles from Ella Nelson and Katie Hart, Samford was unable to generate runs and lost 3-0. Turner finished with eight strikeouts but received little run support.
In game two, Samford responded quickly as Katie Campbell drove in Brandy Phillips with a single, followed by Brooke Wildes hitting a grand slam to give Samford an early five-run lead. UNCG narrowed the gap over four consecutive innings and tied the game by the fifth inning. Olivia Shaw then doubled and scored on Addison Smith’s infield single to put Samford ahead again.
Sara Bond pitched effectively out of relief for 3.1 innings, allowing just one hit to secure her sixth win of the season as Samford held onto their narrow advantage. Both Shaw and Smith had two hits each, with Smith’s RBI proving decisive.
UNCG clinched the regular season title after winning game one, but Samford will aim for a series victory when they meet again tomorrow at 1 p.m.
